Monday, May 31, 2010

Step 9: Reviewing and signing the paperwork

Once you have a deal, you can ask the Internet manager or car salesman to deliver the car to you at your home or office. This means you will review the contract and sign it in your space, not the dealership's finance and insurance office (which many buyers find intimidating). Wherever this step takes place, you will be presented with the contract for your new car and a dizzying array of forms to sign. If you are in the F&I office, the finance manager (who is actually an expert salesperson) will try to sell you additional items such as extended service contracts, fabric protection, alarms or a LoJack vehicle locator. In most cases, we recommend turning down these extras — with the possible exception of the extended warranty, which provides peace of mind to some buyers. Additionally, it is worth noting that some states allow up to 60 days after purchase to cancel an extended warranty, but you should check local laws to confirm your options in your area. If the car is delivered to you, the contract is already drawn up, so these extras are not an issue.

To prepare yourself for the kinds of products that might be pushed on you, or inserted into the price without your knowledge, read High-Priced Dealer Add-ons.

If you have already seen a worksheet for the deal you've made, the contract should be a formality. Make sure the numbers match the worksheet and no additional charges or fees have been inserted. You will also be asked to sign various forms that register your new car and transfer ownership of your trade-in. Understand what you are signing and what it means. Ask questions if you don't understand, and don't ever feel like you have to hurry. Buying a car is a serious commitment and you should understand every document involved. Remember, once you have signed the contract you cannot take the car back.

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